The government has admitted it avoided chasing victims of the Post Office scandal compensation delays over fears they might feel “harassed.” A new report reveals many wrongfully accused sub-postmasters still await fair payouts.
MPs on the Public Accounts Committee (PAC) found officials took “insufficient action” to ensure victims applied for compensation. Despite £1bn already paid, thousands remain unclaimed. The Department for Business and Trade (DBT) says it contacted 18,500 people, but most never responded.
Chris Head, a former sub-postmaster wrongly accused of stealing £88,000, says the process is failing. “How can you tell people to come forward when the worst-affected aren’t even paid?” he asked. Head, now an OBE, highlights cases like Alan Bates, who received less than half his claim.
The DBT claims follow-up letters could feel like harassment. Yet, they agreed to consult advisors on resending notices. Meanwhile, many victims some imprisoned or bankrupted still wait for justice.
Four compensation schemes exist, but progress lags:
- Horizon Shortfall Scheme (HSS): 18,500 letters sent, few replies.
- Overturned Convictions Scheme: 25 of 111 eligible victims haven’t applied.
- Horizon Convictions Redress Scheme (HCRS): 536 applications, but none chose full assessments.
PAC chair Sir Geoffrey Clifton-Brown calls the delays “deeply dissatisfactory.” He urges faster action to locate all eligible claimants. The same report criticizes poor recovery of fraudulent Covid loans. Only £130m of £1.9bn lost has been reclaimed. The PAC says lenders lack incentive since taxpayers cover losses.
The Post Office inquiry’s final report arrives July 8. It will assign blame for the wrongful prosecutions that ruined lives. For now, the Post Office scandal compensation delays leave victims in painful limbo.
The DBT vows to review PAC’s recommendations. Yet, with many still unaware of their rights, justice remains distant. The Post Office scandal compensation delays highlight a system still failing those it wronged.
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